Purcell Steps In For Suspended Maher

Racing Victoria stewards have agreed in principle to allow Warrnambool-based trainer Aaron Purcell take over the running of Ciaron Maher's stable following the Group 1 winning trainer's six month suspension earlier this week. While a deed of agreement has yet to be signed between the two parties Racing Victoria's chief steward Terry Baily is satisfied Purcell fulfills sufficient criteria to enable the continuation of Maher's stable thus safeguarding the immediate future of his staff. “One of our main issues was the employment of the staff and Aaron Purcell has provided us with a structure that addresses all that,” Bailey told Racing.com. “The other issue was the amount of time he will be spending at Caulfield, which will be the majority of the time, which also ticks a box for us. The parties involved will need to sign a deed of understanding, which is being drafted up now. The contents of that has been agreed to, in principal,” he added. Maher's suspension begins on Monday and will see him on the training sidelines until April 2 next year.